Joe Root would 'love' the chance to join the IPL next year

With most of England’s 2018 schedule clear during April and May, more players could be made available for the world’s richest T20 competition, the Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, the likes of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Jason Roy and Tymal Mills made their debut in the league, with most of them gaining huge success in their first time. Stokes and Mills became the two costliest buys in the history of the league.

In the past, England’s early-season home fixtures have often prevented players from taking part in the whole tournament. However, this year, Stokes, Buttler and Woakes were excused from two One-Day Internationals against Ireland. Stokes, who signed with Rising Pune Supergiants for £1.6m got going from the onset and that resulted in him winning the Most Valuable Player of the season award.

Root on his participation

If high-impact players like the England Test skipper, Joe Root also make it into the IPL this year, the league’s stature would only be enhanced further.

“It would be a great opportunity,” said Root. “Ultimately I’m an England player and that comes first. If things fall into place, who knows, but for now my main focus is doing the best I can when I play for England.”

Last year, he did not participate because his first child was due during that period. No serving England Test captain has played in the IPL, if Root participates, this will be a first. However, he was diplomatic in his answer as it can be understood because of their otherwise tight schedule and the added responsibility on him after becoming captain of the Test side.

“There’s a lot of cricket to come in the rest of this year and before next year’s IPL starts,” Root told BBC Sport.

“I have to have those conversations with the right people, people like [England coach] Trevor Bayliss and [director of cricket] Andrew Strauss. I’d love to have the opportunity to go and play in it, but you have to have a realistic view,” he concluded.